Be sure the school you attend offers course work recognized by the LSBMT. To qualify for a massage-therapy license in Louisiana, you must satisfactorily complete at least 500 hours of supervised course instruction. The course must include 325 hours of basic massage therapy techniques, with practical application; 125 hours' study of anatomy and physiology; and an additional 50 hours of related work in courses such as hydrotherapy, business practices, professional ethics, health and hygiene, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.
Alexandria is one of several Louisiana campuses for Blue Cliff. The local school has a 23,225-square-foot facility with 12 lecture classrooms; a computer lab containing 20 Internet-accessible computers; two massage-therapy labs; and three fully equipped medical labs. Learning includes actual treatment of patients in an on-campus clinic open to the public. Blue Cliff also offers a cosmetology clinic where students can gain practical experience. The college has a campus store, separate student and faculty lounges, and a resource room with books, videos, periodicals and Internet-accessible computers.
Blue Cliff is a state-approved continuing-education provider for massage therapy.
Blue Cliff College
1505 Metro Drive, Suite I
Alexandria, LA 71301
800-499-7293
bluecliffcollege.com
Louisiana requires massage therapists to continually update their certifications through continuing education at recognized providers, who "serve the public interest by promoting and enhancing professional standards and competence," the LSBMT says. Approved CEU providers include the Central Louisiana School of Licensed Therapeutic Massage.
Central Louisiana School of Licensed Therapeutic Massage
3805 Halsey St.
Suite A
Alexandria LA 71303
318-445-5498